Sign mounting frame



A118 13, 1957 T. BADER SIGN MOUNTING FRAME Filed March s1, 1955 IVENTOR.

THEODORE BADER ATTORNEY United States Patent O 2,802,292 SIGN MOUNTING FRAME Theodore Bader, Allentown, Pa. Application March 31, 1955, Serial No. 498,303 2 Claims. (Cl. 40-129) My invention relates to a sign mounting frame, and more particularly, relates to a mounting frame for displaying warning and identification signs.

It is an object of my invention to provide a sign mounting frame for rigidly supporting in a vertical position a warning or identification sign.

Another object of my invention is to provide a sign mounting frame wherein the individual signs are easily removed, inter-changed, or reversed as to the exposed face.

Another object of my invention is to provide a sign mounting frame wherein the signs may be assembled in place without the use of nuts, bolts, or any special devices or tools.

Other objects of my invention are to provide an improved device of the character described, which is easily and economically produced, that is sturdy in construction, and which is highly efficient in operation.

With the above and related objects in View, my invention consists of the details of construction and combination of parts, as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. l is a perspective View of a sign mounting frame embodying my invention, and shows a typical warning sign as it is to be mounted within the sign mounting frame.

Fig. 2 is a front elevational View of the sign mounting frame bracketed upon the back of a truck.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the sign mounting frame with the warning sign secured therein.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along lines 4 4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a modification of my invention disclosing an outside, lantern-type, identification sign displayed within an alternative construction of the mounting frame.

Fig. 6 is a sectional View taken along lines 6-6 of Fig. 5.

Referring now in greater detail to the drawing, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, I show a sign mounting frame, generally designated as A, within which is mounted a warning sign, generally designated as B.

The frame A comprises a back plate 12 from which extends at right angles, an integrally formed bottom ledge 14 and an overhanging eave 16. A pair of permanent magnets 18 are mounted upon the face of the plate 12 directly below the overhanging eave 16. The eave 16 serves as a rain protector for the magnets 18, and has downwardly extending 4arcuate ends 17 whereby water may be directed away from the mounted sign B. A channel strip 20 is spot-welded at its base to the ledge 14 to form a horizontally extending slot 22 for pivotally mounting the sign B.

Pressed from the plate 12, adjacent each end, is a pair of hasps 24 for securing a chain 40. A pair of conventional brackets 26 are attached to the ledge 14 whereby the mounting frame A may be secured upon a truck or automobile body.

The sign B comprises a generally rectangular plate 30 having a pair of horizontally extending arms 32 with a groove 34 cut therein. On either face of the plate 30 is a warning signal such as Drive Safely, Pass on the Left, or Danger, as examples.

Apermit the magnets to exert an attractive force upon the plate 30 where the latter is plastic, aluminum, or other non-magnetic material. The steel blocks 36 serve as spacers for the bottom of the steel plate 30 as the latter is held in the slot 22.

The sign B is mounted within the mounting frame A by hingedly supporting the lower vedge of the plate 30 in the slot 22 and then swinging the plate to a vertical position whereby the magnets 18 engage and hold the blocks 36. The chain 40 is linked about the grooved arms 32, thereby holding captive the sign B to the mounting frame A should winds or severe jolts disengage the sign from its frame.

In Figs. 5 and 6, I show a modification of my invention wherein a sign mounting frame A1 is adapted for use in displaying an outside, lantern-type, identication sign, generally designated as C.

The frame A1 comprises a mounting plate 50 to which is spot-welded a U-shaped support 52 having an integrally formed hood 54 and a bottom shelf 56. A lip 58 extends vertically from the shelf 56 to define a front stop. Permanently aixed to the support 52 below the hood 54 are a plurality of magnets 60 having screws 62 passing therethrough.

The identification sign C comprises a sheet steel frame 64 having integrally formed back flanges 68 and front flanges 70 extending vertically about its periphery. A glass plate 72 having a name and address identification etched or painted thereon is supported against the front flanges 70 by a plurality of clips 74 and a conventional electric light 76 illuminates the identification sign C.

As is apparent from the foregoing description, the identification sign C is mounted within the frame A1 by supporting the sign on the shelf 56 behind the lip 58. The magnets 60 engage the back flange 68 at its upper portion and maintain the identification sign C in a secure vertical position.

Although my invention has been described in considerable detail, such 4description is intended as being illustrative rather than limiting, since the invention may be variously embodied and the scope of the invention is to be determined as claimed.

I claim as my invention:

1. An identification sign comprising an integrally formed frame including a vertical back plate from which extends at right angles at its upper and lower edges respectively an overhanging eave and a bottom ledge, said overhanging eave having downwardly extending arcuate ends, means in said bottom ledge to freely support a sign in untethered hinged engagement, a plurality of permanent magnets affixed to said back plate below said eave to magnetically engage the sign in vertical position.

2. The identification sign of claim l, wherein a chain is secured to said frame and means on the sign for releasably engaging said chain whereby the sign is retained captive should the sign be jolted free from its magnetically secured vertical position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,236,234 Troje Aug. 7, 1917 2,288,688 Dubilier July 7, 1942 2,589,349 Diefenbach Mar. 18, 1952 2,622,356 Valente Dec. 23, 1952 2,659,116 Korb Nov. 17, 1953 2.748,498 Stuart et al. June 5, 1956 

